https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IKc7xDjKMQ?rel=0
CLEVELAND — A new law is on the books that is designed to protect animals from being left outdoors without shelter in these extreme weather conditions.
With wind chills in approaching -20 degrees Fahrenheit, it doesn’t take very long for an animal to freeze to death. The new law requires owners to better protect animals, and allows humane officers to take action if adequate shelter isn’t provided.
Jeb Mignano is the chief investigator for the Cleveland Animal Protective League and he spent most of today out answering complaint calls regarding animals being left in the cold.
“We’re getting a lot of cold weather calls for obvious reasons. Wind chill is way below zero today. And this can be deadly weather for pets,” said Mignano.
“We can impound animals if we feel like they don’t have the proper shelter. Or the animals are suffering in some way. We can actually take those animals.”
The city ordinance requires that any animal left outside have shelter that is large enough to stand up, turn around, and lie-down freely. It also requires the shelter to have one entrance and exit with a door or flap to protect from the elements.
There are also other requirements that make sure the animal is protected from the elements. For Mignano, seeing animals out in the cold is heartbreaking.
He said, “It’s obvious when the animals are shivering, standing there hunched over, and their paws aren’t protected, their on the ground — it’s really disheartening to see that.”
Neighbors who see the animals out in the cold also feel for the health and welfare of the dogs we saw today.
“If it’s kind of too cold for a human, then 10 times out of 10, it’s probably too cold for your dog, the average dog anyway,” said Shaheed Smith, who knows first-hand how cold it was today. He was walking down the street where Jed and his team were assisting an animal left out in the cold.
“Go buy him a dog house. Then that way you wouldn’t have to worry. It’s not enough fur on them to protect them,” he added.
Kevin Carpenter said, “It’s crazy how people treat animals,” and suggested a punishment for owners neglecting their pets.
“They should take the owner and do him like that.”
When humane officers do find an animal left in the cold, they first try to contact the owner to see if they can rectify the situation and provide shelter within the law. If not, officers can impound the animal, on-the-spot, whether or not the owner is present.
“Just today, I know we’ve gotten at least 10 calls on this side of town. We have a unit on the west side with probably an equal number of calls as well,” said Mignano.
And as long as the calls come in, Jed and his team will respond to make sure every animal has a safe place to stay.
Cleveland Ordinance 603.091 (5)
Shelter from the elements, including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight. If the animal is housed outside, a structure for shelter and protection must be provided that is suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of that animal. The structure must be completely enclosed and insulated, having a single entrance/exit secured with a flap or door or similar device. The structure shall be moisture-resistant, wind-resistant, and of suitable size and type to allow the animal to stand, turn about freely, lie in a normal position, and regulate proper body temperature. The structure shall be made of a durable material with a solid, moisture-proof floor and a floor raised at least two (2) inches from the ground. Suitable drainage shall be provided so that water cannot be reasonably expected to gather and stand within ten (10) feet of the structure, and so the animal has access to a dry area at all times. Proper bedding of straw or similar material, that remains dry, must be utilized inside the structure. All structures required by this section shall be subject to all building and zoning regulations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFpy7_FU-x4?rel=0